The Purse Project

Blogs of interest

2010-11-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Becky has an interesting post about the 25 top purse-related blogs.
Read it here.

Trick or Treat Bag Tutorials

2010-10-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Who wants a hard plastic pumpkin or an old pillowcase, when you can sew up an adorable trick or treat tote following one of these tutorials?!

Cute Scrappy Owl bag by Ohdeeoh

Quilted bags from Teeny Tiny Quilts

Felted candy corn bag, made by Purling Sprite (pattern by Lion Brand Yarn)

Felt or fabric candy corn bag by My Little Gems

And this absolutely adorable slouchy bag by Lazy Daisy Cottage
She also sells readymade bags, and they come with a pocket for a little lantern

Escama Bags

2010-09-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

I was in the gift store of the Museum of Art yesterday, in Balboa Park (San Diego), and I saw some beautiful bags made from soda can tops by Escama.
This may give you an idea

Are the words "handmade" and "sophisticated" an oxymoron?

2010-07-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Poor neglected blog!
I'll have to make a point of stopping in more often.

Tonight I have been searching for a purse pattern so I can make a friend a bag for her birthday.
The odd fact here is that when you go to a department store and buy a bag, it's usually leather, and it's usually plain black or plain brown.
Why then, when bags are sewn from a pattern, are they so often wild prints with that not-in-a-good-way handmade look?

I don't want a cutesie bag (though, to be honest, I am using a fabric with beagles all over it).
I don't want soft sides, but I want reinforced details as found on the leather bags I usually carry.
I don't want quilt blocks on my tote, or faux fur, or a teeny tiny paper sack of a bag.

There are a lot of indie designers out there with great patterns, but they're sometimes hard to find.
Purse Patterns (dot com) has 1100 ideas to browse through.

I think my best options for a sophisticated take on handmade might be The Cosmo Bag

or the Classic Messenger Bag

Hmmm....maybe a yoga bag would make a fun gift!

Though Carol's Executive Tote is seemingly more of a simplistic style that I'm trying to get away from, there is something about this design that I find quite pleasing, and I think it would work really well with the fabric I have chosen

Another option is to sacrifice a favorite bag and make a pattern from it, which I may do as well.
I will post my results when I finish the bag.

Contest to win a Birkin Bag

2009-12-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

Nadya contacted me from Fab Sugar, informing me that the site will be having a Birkin give away.
Normally I don't post things like this, but dude...a Birkin?
As in Hermes Birkin. Quality craftmanship.
I am aaaall over that :)!

It only takes one simple step: just sign up their newsletter

Here are a couple of short videos for more info:
Why Does Everyone Want a Birkin Bag?
What Makes a Birkin Bag So Special and How to Spot a Fake!

Birkin Bag Contest Details + Official Rules

My computer is too old and slow to verify the videos, so hopefully these sites are all of interest--let me know.

Recycling Plastic Bags

2009-10-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

I posted previously about creating "fabric" by fusing plastic bags, but another way to recycle plastic shopping bags is by making plastic "yarn" (plarn) and knitting, crocheting, or even weaving it.

My Recyled Bags has a great tutorial on how to cut the bags and connect the pieces.
Similar tutorial by Gooseflesh.
This is the method I prefer, though it makes a double-strand thickness.

If you prefer a thinner yarn, another method is to cut each bag into a spiral (like an orange peel).
Weavezine shows this method, and also gives a tutorial on weaving plarn.

Or perhaps the tutorial by Pie and Coffee will make more sense to you.

Recycled plastic totes are especially great beach bags--they can be rinsed off easily, and are long lasting.
They're also great for shopping bags (ironic, eh? Plastic shopping bags, reused and made into reusables).
They are also quite sturdy.

Wow, go figure--Creative Recyclers show how to weave a tube shape from plastic bags, using a plastic bottle as a prop.
This spool knitting technique (with real yarn) is also shown on Craftypod.

Atomic Shrimp used a handmade French bobbin and 25 plastic bags to knit this amazing tote

There are a lot of patterns out there, but here are just a few to get you inspired:

I loooove this crocheted tote from Marlo's Crochet Corner (instructions on her site).

I have just enough blue Walmart bags saved for the project.
For anyone who likes to use plastic bags for projects, there was a collective groan when Walmart switched from blue to ordinary white bags.

Crocheted tote tutorial on The Knitty Professors

When searching for free patterns, you can sometimes find crochet or knitting plastic tote/purse patterns under "bread bag".
Packages from bread and newspapers are thinner plastic, are often easier to work with, and give a finer look.
I especially like the clear bags--they give almost a crystalline accent to your projects.
My Recycled Bags has a ton of patterns available, including Bread Bag Tote

Also from My Recycled Bags, a Granny Square Motif Tote

There seem to be fewer knitting tutorials out there, but almost any knit or crochet pattern can be adapted to use with plarn.
Also check youtube for video tutorials.

Patterns

2009-09-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

My mom and I attended the annual San Diego Quilt Show today.
Normally I love cruising the vendors and buying new gadgets, fabric, and patterns, but my purse was recently stolen, so my bank account is frozen until all can be ironed out on Monday (long story).
So (gack!) I wasn't able to buy anything.

What I did instead, was take note of new patterns I hadn't seen, so I can buy them in the future.
What I love about quilt shows is getting exposed to indie companies that I might not find elsewhere.

I love this handmade lunch box by Quilts Illustrated, called Desk Deli.The tote has little pockets inside for silverware and icepacks, and includes the pattern for a fabric napkin.
Several online shops also sell the pattern, including Henrietta's Handbags.

Fort Street Market Bag, by Yoyomama Designs seems like a fun pattern.
I can't find a website, but see if your local quilt shop carries this brand.
You may be able to buy one on ebay also (currently seller Quilt Taffy has several available).

Heart to Hand sells some amazing purse patterns, often involving needle punching and wool felt.
Check out the website.

Lazy Girl Designs has some new patterns along with their other classics.

Blog Kudos

2009-09-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, Cyndilou, honored me with a blog award!

My obligation in accepting this award is to name five things that I enjoy doing, along with five of my favorite blogs.

Things I enjoy doing:
1) I'm super detail oriented. So when I give gifts, or plan a party, I like to figure out every little thing--a person's favorite design (like polka dots) might be in the cupcake liners, the balloons, and the tissue paper. I try to think of everything, and go to the nth degree to make it special.

2) I love true crime shows, so I will usually sew with Forensic Files or something like that as background noise. I tend to flip channels between A&E and the ID channel. I used to love Court TV, but the replacement Tru TV isn't as good.

3) I enjoy research. I just made a mix cd for a friend, for example, and spent hours and hours on youtube trying to find unique songs. I get a kick out of finding obscure things--perhaps the perfect something that someone might love. I'm a really good gift giver.

4) My favorite form of creating, whether paper or fabric, tends to be collage. I like to cut out images and layer them, and thereby create something that really is one of a kind.

5) I bake to relieve stress. I find old-school baking from scratch really enjoyable. I also love to read cookbooks as if they were novels.

Five of my favorite blogs:
Andrea at Hula Seventy is amazing amazing amazing

I just bought two of Keri Smith's books for a birthday gift. Keri writes Wish Jar Journal. The party had a "bucket list" theme, and Keri's books are all about living life to the fullest.

Bari J and Calamity Kim are both inspirational with collage and design ideas

I love foodie blogs. It's tough to choose which is my absolute fave, but Molly Wizenberg's Orangette is definitely one of them. Just clicking on the link to the blog makes me all giddy inside ;)

No more challenges

2009-09-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

My gosh, where does the time go?
Sorry for my lack of recent posts, but all my time went into organizing a surprise birthday party for a friend, lots of dog-sitting, and recently starting back to school.

I will be posting the gallery of Project #10 soon, though only two of you accepted the challenge.
Challenge #10, therefore, will be the last on this blog.

I will probably post ideas here and there, and I'll leave the blog up so you can cruise the sidebar of ideas.
There are a lot of great tutorials in the sidebar.

I get really decent traffic on this blog, but next to zero participation in the challenges, so...why bother, you know?

I'll try to post something purse related at least once a month, so the blog doesn't disappear altogether.

Fused Plastic

2009-08-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

One of the best types of recycling is when trash is converted to something usable.
A perfect example: fused plastic.
Yes, you can take those grocery sacks and cut them into strips and knit or crochet them into bags, but you can also melt them into your own "fabric" and sew them into shapes.

My favorite video tutorial is from Make Magazine, and the pattern for the messenger bag is amazing

Etsy Labs has a tutorial you can read, or they offer a video also.

Katie Crafts has a tutorial for a fused plastic messenger bag made from produce sacks
Dabbled's tutorial

Dollarstore Crafts made a fused plastic backpack

My absolute favorite twist on fused plastic, is the quilted bag by Craftastica

Fun bag by Betz White

Really creative ideas for plastic fusion (using scraps, weaving strips, adding text,layering)
Video one
Video two

Timbuk2 bag--how to make an embellished panel video

Now that's unique recycling!

2009-07-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

Used Soccer ball purse, as seen on Geekologie

Purse from trash

2009-07-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Great idea as seen on Dollarstore Crafts:
Make a Trashcycled Hermes bag!

original post by Brainy Bee on craftster

Feed bags to tote bags

2009-07-16T16:55:00.001-07:00

How about recycling feed bags--especially the ones that are stronger than paper.

Recycled feedsack bags, by Handcrafted at Wit's End (etsy)

Backpack style by Bluemont Creations (etsy)

Tutorial using a dog food bag, on All Free Crafts.
Tutorial using a cat food bag on Thrifty Fun

Amazing Birdfeed bags by Twisted Textiles
(sold in her Etsy shop, Twisted Wear)

another post here

And from catfood bags too

Map Purse

2009-07-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

Tutorial on Sonya Style, to make a purse from maps

She also made a Paris map purse, though I can't find the link on her site (it's on her flickr page)

Map of Queens and Brooklyn under vinyl, by Sasaki Creations

Tote Tutorial

2009-07-13T22:41:00.001-07:00

Laura of Rick Rack Ruby has posted a tutorial on how to make a bag from an Anthropologie dishtowel.

Bear with me

2009-07-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my lack of inspirational posting lately.
I have lots of ideas to share, but stress is disabling me at the moment.

Let's move the due date up on this project one month.
I hope to be back to posting soon.

Time for a new challenge

2009-06-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I started a purse from neckties a couple of years ago.
It was so close to being finished, and I had hoped to finish it for this challenge, but I can't find it!
I am still renovating at my house, and stuff is packed away. Sigh.

I only got two submissions for this challenge, but they're both really amazing.
Thank you Laura, and Andrea.
Please check the gallery to view the bags they made.

Okay...let's try another challenge.
Project #11 is going to be Unusual Recycled.
Meaning DON"T use clothing, curtains, hankies, towels, or anything that you might have sewn in a DIY project.
No denim, no sweaters (those will be future challenges)

Unusual. Recycled.
Meaning I'd really like to see your creativity.
Of course I'll give you ideas along the way.

Like this shoulder bag made from measuring tapes, by Undone Clothing

home made purse converse all star
Originally uploaded by randomonix

Or this fantastically creative purse made from old Converse sneakers, by Randomonix

Think tins, leftover drink containers, leftover food bags, etc
You can try your hand at weaving chip bags or candy wrappers (info in previous posts).
Think Project Runway when the designers make things from the webbing of deck chairs, or crochet garbage bags together.
You could make a fused grocery sack purse (video tutorial in a previous post), or crochet the bags together...

You could crochet wire, or wire and old buttons, or sew old zippers together, or sew a bag from an old vinyl poster, or a shower curtain.
Are you getting any ideas yet?

Start thinking!

More Necktie Inspiration, from Etsy

2009-06-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

This bag is aimed to inspire people to create their own bags, but I hope you also support your local crafters.
I use Etsy links to both inspire, and to encourage you to shop for handmade items.

Purse in recycled denim and other recycled fabrics, with necktie embellishment, by Marci9922 in her Treasured Designs Etsy shop

Another embellished bag, this one by Maven Studio

Necktie "Barbara" tote from CreoNodo's Etsy Shop

"The Persephone Tote" by LindaEve, formerly known as Untied

LindaEve also made this Bluesy Shoulder Tote

Necktie Coin Purses

2009-06-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

Celeste from CC Star Accessories makes coin purses from neckties

Her Etsy shop: CC Star

An extra week

2009-05-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

Are you guys sewing your necktie purses?
Did you know that Amy, from Tie One On, just got 65 apron submissions for her last challenge? 65!
You'd think I could drum up ten. Come on...pleeeeaaase.
I mean, I get a lot of traffic on this blog.
So you guys are reading, but you're not participating.

I have a final exam on Monday, which is our deadline.
Because I'll be busy studying, I'm extending this challenge by one week.

So start sewing! :)
I'll post the necktie gallery and a new challenge on June 8.

More fun necktie examples

2009-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Ohio State Themed Handbag, made with neckties

and Patchwork Coin Purse
Both items from Shesu2008's Etsy Shop

Tie Belt with Pocket (like a fanny pack), in Miss Karina's Etsy Shop

Methods and Ideas

2009-05-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

One thing to consider when sewing with neckties: utilize the best bits to your best advantage.
For example, some ties have a reverse side that is just as much fun as the front.
Here's one of my peek-a-boo neckties

If I were using that tie in a purse (or any sewn item), I'd want to showcase it somehow.

Other ties have text describing the tie or the designer, and these areas (usually on the reverse side) can be cut out and used like a "fussy cut" on a quilt.

This Degas necktie is part of a blazer (by Studio Fresca), but the idea is easily applicable on a purse strap, buckle, pocket, etc.

(click on images to enlarge)

And don't forget the labels!
This entire jacket, by Undone Clothing, is made from clothing labels!
Isn't it fantastic?
So that should give you some ideas on what can be done with the labels from neckties

This amazing quilt (posted by Patra Cat, I think she saw this quilt in a show)
uses both necktie fabric and necktie labels

Collage is another idea to consider.
You can take several images from neckties, iron the ties onto a fusible (I like Steam-a-Seam), cut out the pictures, and layer them.
You can stitch the edges down, so no seams are needed (unless you want to turn seams under and applique).
Here I started layering a bookmark
All of the fabrics are from neckties, except the text (that is from some boxer shorts)

This method would be an incredible way to personalize a purse.

Fun wristlet idea

2009-05-23T15:06:00.001-07:00

Crazy quilt ties pouch

Tie Bags vendors

2009-05-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Purse by Rene's Creations

Tamajesy's Roar sells a variety of purses made from ties.
Her designs are interesting in that the seams are out

Lisa's Bags and Things often have a theme to each design

Bags by Sew Retro

Creative Dangles has a crochet bag with a tie running through it.

Jeans and Ties Messenger bags, by Bags by Meggie

Have items woven from your own ties, by Endless Possibilities

Crazy Quilt Purse Pattern, by Henrietta's Handbags

Or Pail Purse Pattern, also by Henrietta's Handbags

Necktie Purse tutorials

2009-05-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sonya Style do-it-yourself

Purse on Thrifty Fun

Backpack made with a placemat, and necktie handles, from Crafty Gal

Necktie Bag on the DIY Network

Sulky Mini Purse

Two-tie Sling Bag, by Betz White

Shopping Bags as Gift Bags

2009-05-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

I decided that for Christmas this year, rather than wrap gifts, or use gift bags...
that I'm going to "wrap" each gift in a reusable shopping tote.

It's a win-win: less waste, and the recipient gets a second gift.
And hopefully something they'll find useful.

There are so many cute themes in bags out there, applicable for any personality.

For my friend Jen, I already bought a Tucker Bag in a frog design

For my "pig" friends, I chose this Rootote

and this Envirosax, from their kid's line

I really like this Shinzi Katoh Pig Drawing tote also (found on ebay)

It's a fun idea you might consider also.

Options with Neckties

2009-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Remember that the point of the challenges on this blog is to entice you to think outside the box, to stretch your creative skills, and to try new techniques.
Sure you can use a necktie as a handle on your purse, but I hope you do maybe that AND something more.

Recycled placemat purse with a necktie strap, by pheartsb!

Tote made from a recycled shirt and a necktie, by gnostic sunset

Another recycled shirt and necktie, by Jenny Made This.

Made from repurposed wools (a recycled suit?) and tie, by PineBlossoms by Jennifer

paisley bag best 2
Originally uploaded by Redoux Designs

This appears to be recycled from a sweater, with a necktie handle. By Redoux Designs

Crazy Quilted Purse

2009-05-07T16:39:00.001-07:00

Crazy Quilted Purse
Originally uploaded by Rinnie Henry

Great idea for how to use necktie scraps.

She says, "This crazy quilted purse is made from men's silk ties also assorted fabrics with purple silk lining, with lots of emblishments and fake fur around the opening. It won first place at the "Ozark Empire Fair" in Springfield, MO in 2006."

Inspiration

2009-05-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous purse made from neckties, by JennJohn Bags.
Just goes to show how beautiful recycled ties can be.
JennJohn's etsy shop

Drawstring bag made from vintage ties, by Christine Anderson

Purse by Buried Treasure, with ties on a diagonal

Cute bag by knitsybitsyspider

Small sizes necktie bags

2009-04-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

You might consider making a wristlet, a wallet, or a coin purse from neckties.

These "cardholders and change pods" by loscann, are available in
her etsy shop

I think this one is particularly lovely

Prixprix makes wallets from neckties.
These are available in her etsy shop

Clutch, made by Flyball Bags.
Her etsy shop

Muff bag, by Etui Design

Wristlet by Buzz Buzz Designs

Zipper Pouches from Rick Rack Ruby (Laura Kluvo)
The top one is from necktie scraps and the other is ribbon scraps

Nancy Gamon's drawstring pouch, made from vintage neckties
her etsy shop

Purse Patterns, etc

2009-04-14T22:11:00.001-07:00

When you're approaching one of the challenges here, you can always use a pattern.
There are lots of indie companies out there other than the big four (Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Vogue).

One of my favorite sites for Japanese fabric, is Super Buzzy.
You can buy Japanese purse patterns that aren't the same worn out designs--they are fresh, fun, and worth a try.
These sewing patterns are by designer Etsuko Furuya, for Echino Fabrics:
Boston Bag
These bags are especially stunning in the gorgeous selections of Echino fabrics (I would love to have them all!)

Laptop Bag

Messenger Bag

And of course we all know that Japanese Craft Books are the creme de la creme.
I am drooling over this one, Favorite Fabric Bags

The site also sells supplies for making bags, such as these cute
cherry bag handles

Inspiration from Laura Kluvo

2009-04-11T10:09:00.001-07:00

A year ago on my neckties blog, I posted about all the amazing projects made by Laura Kluvo.
She has such great examples of bags, I'm going to repost here so you can get some ideas, get excited, and participate in the current challenge.

Laura was my inspiration to start blogging, and my inspiration to start sewing with neckties.
Laura is the creative force behind RickRackRuby, as well as the popular Blogging Project Runway.

Necktie Schoolbag
tutorial on Craftster, and also on Craftbits

The amaziing 1000 Points Messenger Bag.
(click on image to enlarge)
She says, "If you look closely you can see that I have inserted tie tips into the the seams on the front like feathers. It was really hard to keep everything lined up. It turned out great though, didn't it?"
Back of bag:

Big Bag

Slouch Bag

You can collage with necktie pieces--some of the wild fabrics available on neckties would be perfect for this technique
Gypsy Rose Bags, with rose embellishment made from a necktie also

Necktie Rose
Tutorial on Craftster

Or, if daisies are more to your liking, make Necktie Daisies Tutorial on Craftster

Necktie Backpack

Determined to not waste any portion of her ties stash, she started making handbags that utilize the middle section (large points go into skirts, small ties go to making necktie daisies)
"Here is the handbag that I made from the leftover bits of the Pink and Purple Necktie Skirt. I lined it in hot pink velveteen and added a giant rhinestone brooch."

"This one has a peacock theme and is accented with a vintage peacock brooch".

Blog color

2009-04-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

It was suggested to me that I change the background color of this blog from the black.
Do you prefer this new color?

I played around with different colors (a white background, green post titles, pink header...)
Aqua and purple is what I am ending with today.
All suggestions welcome.

I still have to figure out how to add the banner.
I have a banner on my Woof Nanny blog, but it only shows up in Explorer (not in Safari or Mozilla).
Aarrgghh.
I have the old classic template, so I can manually manipulate the html.
Anyone have any helpful hints?

New Challenge, and Scarf Gallery is up

2009-04-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

I just realized it's April already, so I had better get on the ball and post a new challenge!
I'm actually still putting the finishing touches on my scarf bag, but that's okay, I'll post it soon.
The scarf challenge, sadly, didn't generate much participation.
The scarf challenge gallery is up for viewing.

The new theme is...neckties.
About time, huh?

So get a stash of neckties from the thrift store, or from a family member, and use them as the handle, or the side, or as the bag itself.

The great thing about neckties is the fabrics are often wild, fantastic, novelty prints.
If you have questions about washing the fabrics, I have lots of information on my necktie blog.

Let's shoot for finishing these by May 31.
Please email me a jpg at barbian 7(at)yahoo(dot)com, and I'll post the gallery by June 1.

Here are a few examples to get you inspired to create something fun (and of course I'll continue to post examples in the next few weeks).

Necktie bag from the etsy shop Devore Jones

Patchwork by Etui Design

Designer Katie Sonin describes the construction as "quilt blocks of recycled neckties and scarves with hand embroidered embellishments. Bag body is faux suede. Straps are seatbelts trimmed with jacquard ribbon".

Another gorgeous and unusual bag by Etui Design, this one called Sutton
These bags are available on her website
The bags utilize neckties and vintage scarves.

Messenger bag by Betsy Grace
Several variations of necktie bags are available in the
etsy shop Tart Design.

This shoulder bag by bakkems uses a necktie for the side thickness and handle.
The rest of the purse is made of a recycled shirt and upholstery samples.
This bag is currently available in her etsy shop: minimeg.

2009-03-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Purse inspiration over on my Woof Nanny blog today!

Readymade inspiration

2009-03-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

I'm going to fit in one more post about scarf totes before I post the gallery.
Inspiration from Anthropologie (thanks Jen):
(the whole site is drool worthy).

Really, ideas for projects are everywhere--from a design in nature, to something readymade in a catalog.
Let ideas meld together until you're inspired to create something new!

The Warm Climes Weekender is canvas, but totally inspires me to want to recreate it using a scarf.
The Well-Accessorized Tote is a scarf print, so it's a perfect jumping off point for an idea.
Or the Bandana Bucket Bag
Or The Scarf Scene Tote

Delay

2009-03-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Oops. how did March get here so fast?!
With work and school, I don't think I'll get to posting the gallery for a few more days.
Maybe that will enable more of you to work on your bag, because I have had VERY few entries.

I get lots of readers to this blog, but few participants.
Amy gets more than 20 people to participate in her apron challenges,
what am I doing wrong?

More with Bandanas

2009-02-14T22:06:00.001-08:00

Catsontybee makes adorable purses from bandanas.
Like this drawstring bag
She makes these in every color and combination, and sells them in her etsy shop, tybeecat.
She is also developing a website, called Bandana Bags.

She made this cute shoulder purse for a little girl.

Small tote made from a Harley Davidson bandana, by SewingMom1.

SV300099
Originally uploaded by Tiffany88

This tote bag is a patchwork of black cotton and canteen cancer awareness bandanas, made by Tiffany88.

Collage idea

2009-02-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

This rather avant-garde purse by The Poppy Tree, is made with vintage scarves and patches.
I find this sort of work the most inspirational.
It makes me all fluttery inside-- the same thing happens when I look in Japanese craft books.
This kind of collage works well in memory projects also, collecting things like Girl Scout badges and old jewelry next to grandma's scarf.

More ideas with scarves

2009-02-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Complete Fragments made this adorable purse from a vintage scarf
It is lined in red satin.

This purse by Mirian Rezende may not be made with scarves, but it certainly could be copied that way.She has several other designs on her blog from scarf-like fabrics (such as taffeta and silk), that may inspire you.

More ideas with scarves

2009-02-02T08:41:00.001-08:00

Vintage scarf tote by SHMILY Design (the family blog)

The Margo Bag, by ladyfort/sallyent"Sassy bag made from 70s silk scarf with amazing graphic spots & stripes pattern. Named after the spectacular Margo Leadbetter of course, from The Good Life - say n'more..."
Matching pouch

You can purchase clutches made from vintage silk scarves, from Smitten Kitten

Book inspiration

2009-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Andrea, of Indigo Blue Designs, has posted a tutorial on how to make this bag.
The idea is from the book Brilliant Bags: 20 beautiful bags to stitch & love, by Deena Beverley.

I do have a few tips:
Remember that you can sew one scarf to another scarf (to another scarf...) or sew strips or pieces, to make a bigger (and often more interesting) fabric.

You can sew your scarf (or scarves) atop another fabric, or join your scarf to another fabric, to make a larger fabric.

You can back your scarf with interfacing, and thereby mimic a woven fabric (that's what I did for the t-shirt challenge too).
This way you can actually use a sewing pattern if you like (that's probably what I'm going to do for this challenge).

And don't stop there!
Remember, you can take it one step further and embellish.
The book Sew Vintage: New Creations from Found Fabrics, by Jennie Archer Atwood, has some examples of pillows made with scarves (but the idea easily translates to purses).
She used a beaded scarf and silk dupioni to make this pillow.
If you can't find a scarf already beaded, then add your own details!
Think embroidery also, and applique.

Bandanas!

2009-01-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

One of three designs of bandana purses, sold by Out West Fashions.

Bandana backpack, pattern for sale at Birch Street Clothing.

Backpack by Janine King Designs (etsy)

Fleece

2009-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Mickey tote using dollar store fleece scarf, by Dollar Store Crafts

Or you can take that fleece scarf and cover a plastic take-out-style box, and make that your purse.

More Scarf Purse inspiration

2009-01-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hagar International is an organization that provides vocational programs for women and children who have experienced extreme abuse.
Women in Cambodia are taught to weave the traditional
Khmer Kroma scarf, with which this bag is constructed.

"Trash Bags" take vintage products (scarves, skirts, blouses, etc) and make one-of-a-kind purses (ooh, applique...now there's an idea...)

I can envision piecing bits of vintage scarves (or it would work with neckties too, but that's another challenge...), to mimic the patchwork bags by Coach

Fringed scarf purse tutorial , from the DIY Network

Arty Little Purses

2009-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Canadian artist Dale Ann Potter makes "arty little purses", and wow, are they special.
They are 6-1/2 inches square, and no two are the same.
She welcomes custom orders.

For the one pictured, she says, "I used scraps from that never ending tote, add a chiffon scarf, then quilt and embroider until I figure it's enough. I melt back some of chiffon scarf.... make it into a purse, sew on little bits I've collected on my jaunts to the thrift stores. The handle can be any length."

If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is!
Ideas like this--melting, melding, embellishing...those are the type of things I hope you consider challenging yourself with trying.

Think texture and content

2009-01-01T10:29:00.001-08:00

When I think of scarves, my imagination goes to vintage silk fabrics.
But don't forget additional alternatives, like this tote made by TamDoll, from a recycled wool Pendleton scarf
(her etsy shop)

The scarf is actually the back of the tote.
The front is cotton with leather trim

Detail
"The handle of this tote was cut from the waistband of a felted sweater and embroidered to coordinate with the bag. The handle will stretch when used so I made sure the stitching will stretch with it. This was fun to make."

Scarf Inspiration

2008-12-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

Our 9th challenge: to make a purse utilizing at least one scarf.

I always manage to find inspiration on Flickr.
Here, a small bag made from a vintage scarf, by Complete Fragments.
She even added small gold-toned feet to the base.

vintage scarf bag
Originally uploaded by 33Clovers

Gorgeous bag by 33Clovers
(her Etsy shop)

Photo Gallery, and a new challenge

2008-12-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been holding off on finalizing the photo challenge bag because I really wanted to finish mine.
But I just haven't had the time, and I really don't want to lose my readers here, so let's move on, shall we?
Only four people submitted bags for this challenge, which is really a shame, because there could have been some grand gift opportunities.

The entry from Aimee is particularly interesting.
I hope you go to her blog and read about it.

Anyway, see the gallery.

The next challenge will be to construct a bag using one or more scarves.
Let's try to get back on track and aim to have these completed by March 1, 2009.

All Buttoned Up has a tutorial for this 10-minute bag that may get your juices flowing, though I hope you take it one step farther (embellish it or something)

I posted a video previously about how to tie a scarf and make it into a bag, but that's not what I'm asking for now.
The video was fun, but this challenge needs to be more creative than a few knots.

Simplicity has a current pattern (#4263) that uses a scarf for its fabric.(views A and B)

Souvenir scarf made into a bag tutorial.

You could always use a scarf as embellishment.
Inspiration here at Pernes Bags.

I like to use scarves as apron ties, but they make fun purse handles too.

Some vintage patterns (like this one I posted previously) use scarves for fabric.

Just stretch out of your comfort zone...that's all I ask.

Photo bag

2008-12-19T21:08:00.001-08:00

I don't have information about this photo, other than it is the April 2005 edition of a magazine, The Textile Forum, English edition (at least that's what I think it is).
The cover features work by the Berlin designer, Pia Fischer.
Notes say, "German top (3 neckties), German skirt (made of zippers), and an election bag", photo: Eckhard Jonalik, Berlin

From what I gather, Ms. Fischer is wildly creative with recycled textiles.

I wonder what an "election bag" is?
I just thought I'd show it here since it features a photograph.
Yes, that's still the current challenge.

Have you seen this bag?

2008-11-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

A lady in Atlanta emailed me, asking if I had seen a purse like this before, and if I knew how it was made.
It's new to me--have any of you seen bags like this?
How is the yarn attached?
Who manufacturers them?

My first guess was that material that you sew all over then it 'melts' in water, but I think that would be too flimsy to be a bag, and I don't see stitching lines either.
Fusible interfacing would still require stitching.
I'm stumped.

Gift Idea

2008-11-27T08:04:00.001-08:00

Here's a fun gift idea--the Alex Color a Purse.

I saw it at World Market, but you can also buy it on Amazon.

Scraptastic!

2008-11-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

Photo memory purse, by Scraptastic.

Reversible Art Apron

2008-10-30T22:35:00.001-07:00

Reversible Art Apron
Originally uploaded by calamity kim

Calamity Kim is always an inspiration.
This is an apron, but the idea would work beautifully on a bag as well.

The front is a photo of boots, applicable for the recipient.
Collage with fabric cut-outs, buttons, charms...
the possibilities are endless.

Fun recycling idea

2008-10-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

One of the things I find most inspiring, is when unusual materials are used in sewing or in art.
This is especially true when materials are trash-to-treasure.

This bag, by Kitty-San, incorporates fabric selvages (or selvedges--both spellings are correct).
Selvages, including those color strips most fabrics include, or the pieces with the company and design name.
So fun!
Her blog is Amores de Toquio (the posts are written in Portuguese).

Earthwise shopping bags

2008-10-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

While we're all finishing up our photo bags (you ARE working on your challenge bag...right?), I thought I'd mention Earthwise bags.
There are several good manufacturers of cloth shopping totes, this being one.

Earthwise bags are made from non-woven polypropylene, and honestly I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.
I mean, it's a petrochemical product, no?
But the site says it's "a fabric that is lightweight yet durable – not to mention reusable, resistant to corrosion, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, washable, and water-repellent."
There are so many sides to the story--is it more environmentally sensitive to manufacture this fabric or to produce a canvas? Or paper sacks? Or some other material???

It certainly is an improvement over plastic bags.
I do think the notion of reusing an item versus using a plastic bag once is a no brainer.
I'm just not sure what the 'best' content of the tote should be.

Anyway, the fun thing about Earthwise is you can request personalized options.
"They (the totes) can also be fully customized by businesses, with a variety of colors to choose from and the option to display personal initials, a graphic, or even a company logo."

But even the standard choices are great.
Like eight Simpsons-themed bags (two of each design) for $19.99
The dimensions are 13.25"H x 12.25"W x 8.25" deep

Or I like these retro surfer bags, four 16.75"H x 14"W x 7.75" deep, for $11.99

Sometimes life just gets in the way...

2008-09-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

Normally, if I don't get around to finishing a project challenge, I post a gallery anyway and just move on.
This time, however, I really want to finish my photo purse.
I have just been really distracted though, and I'm a long long way from being done.

So, I'm going to delay the due date yet again.
I apologize.
Hopefully I'll get more entries this way too though, as so far only two of you have sent me your completed challenges.
Sigh...I really don't know what I need to do to drum up more participation.

Anyway, I'm afraid to even say November, because I'm thinking I may need more time than than.

How about if I figure out an end date at a later time.
Maybe you guys can think of purses as presents you might want to make for friends or family that incorporate photographs.
I mean, the holidays are fast approaching...

2008-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Excuse my delay in posting.
I have been so busy--painting a room, getting things in order, reading a lot, working at night.

I really wanted to mention the idea of using slide protectors in your art, or, in this case considering making a purse with them.
These vintage items are readily available on ebay or similar places.

These examples are from the book Collage Lost and Found: Creative unique projects with vintage ephemera, by Giuseppina Cirincione.
I spotted this book while browsing at Barnes & Noble one day, and absolutely HAD to have it.
I have not been disappointed.

Here, she used metal slide mounts as the cover of a photo album.
I adore this idea.
Especially with the metal mounts, I can envision this in purse form.

Here, she made a book with paper mounts
I like how she stamped words across the paper, and made charms from old Bingo cards.

Missed opportunity

2008-08-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Aaarrgghhh. I wish I had found out about this earlier.
Craftstylish is a craft site similar to Craftster, or Craftzine.

They just had a Tote-ally Crafty Bag Challenge.
It's too late for any of us to enter, but it's fun to see what people came up with.
Gallery here (scroll to bottom of page for photo links).

I like this soda can tab tote (it won one of the grand prizes)

Family Heirlooms

2008-08-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Janet, one of the participants/readers of this blog, has been kind enough to send me some ideas for this challenge (a gesture I wholeheartedly appreciate).
She sent a link to this bag, and I was like, hey! That's Trish! How did I not find these myself before?!
Trish and I have gotten to know each other over emails before and after So You Think You Can Dance.

Anyway, come to find out my blog buddy has a whole lot of inspirational examples for the photo challenge.

Her Mother Mary Purse was created as an homage to her mom.
Please read the touching post here.

This purse includes a photo of her grandmother, mother, and aunt. She gave this bag as a gift to her sister.Read her post here.

And this amazing purse, made with a photo of her mom and dad on the boardwalk in NYC during WWII. Another gift for another sister.
Please read more here.

Extension

2008-08-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Amy of Tie One On has extended her apron challenge, which means the end date will coincide with the Purse Project.
Because several of you participate in both, I'm going to change this project due date to October 1 in order to stagger the two challenges.
They are sewing up gingham aprons over at TOO.
As Amy says, go get your ging on!

And that gives you one extra month to put together your photo purse, so no excuses!

Clear inspiration

2008-08-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased this tote on ebay

The seller said she found it at an estate sale.
I wonder who made it?
It is described as "Vintage dress pattern adorns this Clear Plastic Purse. Silver grommets hold the purse together. Two silver chain handles, covered with clear rubber tubes."
This idea could fit perfectly with the current theme--you could sandwich photographs under clear plastic or vinyl.

This journal quilt, Mexico Memories, by Jane LaFazio, started my interest in sewing with vinyl.
(click on image to enlarge, or click on link to go to Jane's website)
You could consider making something like this in purse form, combining sentimental photos with trinkets.

You might even use a sheer fabric, or print your photos onto sheets of organza made for the printer.

More ideas for using photographs

2008-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

There are ways to incorporate photographs into your purse that don't involve transfer to fabric.

For example, Red Camper sells bags made with vintage slides.

(link found via fototiller)

I can envision bags made with old negatives also.
Hmmmm....

Also, have you seen the magnets made from half marbles, with paper or fabric underneath?
Well, perhaps you could craft some with photos, and use them to embellish your bag.
Tutorial at Not Martha.
Or make them into charms by adding polymer clay. Tutorial

Or you could embellish your purse with photos placed inside bottle caps.
Tutorial using Modge Podge.
Amazing ideas using resin.

You can purchase shrink plastic for printers, and make charms from photos to embellish your purse.
Don't forget to hole punch before baking!
Ideas here.
Or you could print out the photos, then make the plastic itself (without baking) into a purse.
Use it as you would plastic canvas.

Perhaps you could laminate paper photographs, and sew these together as you would vinyl?
Tutorial for a laminated paper purse from HGTV.

Tutorial for cigar box purse, using decal paper, from HGTV.

More Collage Inspiration

2008-07-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am so intrigued by collage.
You can applique, embellish with charms or beads, embroider...
Your purse would be a personal statement, and a work of art.

I love this fabric collage Self Portrait, by Beate Knappe

More goodness (click on images to go to the artist's Flickr pages):

Collage Embroidery ~ Best Friend
Originally uploaded by hens teeth

This one is dyed, silk screened, and painted

Originally uploaded by lisamariekingo

am i blue
Originally uploaded by identityseven

Fabric Collage

2008-07-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

One of my personal favorite styles of expression is collage.
The current challenge of incorporating a photograph into your purse design is a perfect opportunity to consider collage.
I always am inspired by the creations of Bari J
Look at these amazing bags that were published in a recent issue of Belle Armoire

Equally inspiring is Calamity Kim.
Her tutorial on making a gnome house purse could easily incorporate photo transfers

And how cute is this journal page by Gooma8x that honors her dog, Cinda Lou Who?!
(click on images to go the her Flickr page)
The photo is transferred to fabric, and also incorporates collage with applique and machine stitiching.
Something like this would look great made into a bag.

Cinda Lou Who...feb26
Originally uploaded by gooma8x

She also made this "Tell me a Story", a photo of her pregnant daughter

Tell Me a Story
Originally uploaded by gooma8x

"Loose Ends", that captures trimmings under a layer of netting

Originally uploaded by gooma8x

and "Let's Celebrate", a photo transfer of herself and birds

Let's Celebrate 64 (#10)
Originally uploaded by gooma8x

Make a Messenger Bag Out of Trash Bags!

2008-07-18T18:00:00.001-07:00

Off theme right now, but such a great tutorial, and a fun way to recycle.
Thanks to the commenter on Blogging Project Runway for sharing the link.

More ideas on using a photograph in your purse design

2008-07-14T14:56:00.001-07:00

One place to look for inspiration for this challenge is in quilts.
Photos are often used on mourning and memory quilts.
You have to be careful that the project not look too, well....crafty
(if you know what I mean).
Perhaps I'm imposing my own tastes here, but it's a fine line where a project works, and where you want to hide it in the back of your closet.
Make something you'll love to carry around and show off.

Carol K has come up with a great example of how to use quilting techniques on a tote (I think this bag is lovely)

treasure textiles bag
Originally uploaded by Carole K

(click on images to enlarge)

Pink Bird Girl has done something similar on a small quilt, but the panel could easily be transformed into a purse

Caught in a maze
Originally uploaded by pinkbirdgirl

Ditto this multi-media piece by Sara Laughs
Note the techniques she combined: photo transfer, text transfer, embroidery, stamping with hand-carved stamps, fabric painting, found objects

What's a poor obediant Italian orphan girl to do?
Originally uploaded by saralaughs

Think of how you can turn the techniques you use making ATC's, scrapbook pages, etc, into something that could work on a purse.
Remember, you can always use paper and just place it under vinyl if you don't want to use fabric

I like how subtle this one is.

Velo a Paris, 2006
Originally uploaded by Tara Badcock

The background is a transfer of a map of Paris. It could just as easily be a photograph of a person or place of significance to you.
Yes, your photo may be a place, an animal, people, or all of these.
I just want it to have sentimental significance to you.

If you have the proper tools or know-how, you can transform a photograph into stitches (usually cross-stitch) or beads.
Kim C StL machine embroidered this photograph using special software

Or you can look at values and create an applique, like this amazing representation of Wyatt, by Ms. Sad
(click on image to read more about how she created this)

Wyatt's Gone to the Birds
Originally uploaded by ms.sad

Take it to the next step

2008-07-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

The current challenge, to incorporate one or more photographs into your purse design...it's a, well, challenging one.
It's even difficult for me to find inspirational projects to get you going.
But you can look to projects that COULD use photos, and maybe that will get your juices flowing.

I really really want to get you to consider options other than using one big photograph for the front of your bag, or little pics across the front.
Go further.
Stretch yourself.
Let us all learn.

At least for me personally, photographs mean everything.
They speak volumes of time and moments and people who mean the world to me.
They are the essence of all that is sentimental.
How perfect then, to turn a photograph into a vehicle of meaning.
And into a work of art.

For example, what if this felt applique were made with a photo?

Red Wool Felt Purse with Ume Otaku Applique
Originally uploaded by innocentgirl

That could really be cute.
And special.
You could embellish it with embroidery or beading if you like.

Or what if you garnered inspiration from the amazing needlework of Stephanie of Nova Blossoms, and substituted fabric photos for faces
like on this shoulder bag

Or how fun is this recycled tin purse, with a bent spoon handle?!
The photos can be changed on a whim--they are magnets!

purse-magnetic
Originally uploaded by indygirl-cp

Of course it's easy to be inspired by Anne Taintor
Like this messenger bag.

Maybe it's time to learn cyanotype

cyanotype purse
Originally uploaded by andromeda*art

For those of you who are collage artists, perhaps you can be inspired by Prada's Fairy Bag.
You know, combine photos and paint and paper and make a bag out of your design.
In essence, make art, then copy it onto fabric.
You could have a bag that would be more valuable to you than the $2300 price tag on the Prada.

Inexpensive way to transfer photos

2008-07-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Janet for giving me a heads up on this tutorial by Instructables for using freezer paper and your inkjet printer to transfer images onto fabric

Photo Inspiration

2008-07-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Real Photography used an Amy Butler pattern and some fun fabric to highlight a photo of her baby

Bogart of the Underworld
Originally uploaded by Paula Wirth

The lovely Paula Wirth collaged a bag.
Imagine this made with personal photographs!

Oscar purse Christmas05
Originally uploaded by gnarlyis3

Bag by gnaryis3 made from recycled man's jacket pockets. Read more here.

She has another bag with a private memento (the photo is on the interior)

Lazy Girl Designs has a tutorial for using photo sheets for your printer.

Rackycoo wove magazine images together into this amazing design, but I think you could use your own photos in a similar fashion.

What about making a purse version of a personal shrine?
You could incorporate family photos and memorabilia in little pockets or something.

Or you could make a spiritual statement using items of religious significance, charms, herbs, etc.
Ideas anyway...to get your brain moving.

Sis'ka Studios has a tutorial using Photoshop to make your image altered.
Then take that image and use it for your bag, as the fabric, or as an applique, or ????

Once remembered makes custom bags that might inspire you

New Gallery, and Theme #8

2008-07-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, I posted the bag I made from a t-shirt to my woofnanny blog.

I received 7 entries for this challenge.
More than last time, but (sigh...) still far fewer than I had hoped would participate.
Even offering a prize didn't entice more people to try.
What, pray tell, is a girl to do?!

Actually, the prize is great for you guys, but it kind-of sucks for me because it is so so difficult to choose.
I mean, everyone's effort is excellent in its own right.
Ultimately, I decided to give Karen the prize this time.
Not only because her messenger bag is awesome, but because she has supported this blog from day one.
And I really appreciate that.

Karen, please go to Threadless and tell me which design you would like, the size, and where to ship it.

For those of you who didn't win, please be proud anyway.
I am so thankful to each of you. Really.
See the gallery here.

Okay, drumroll....
A new theme. Theme number eight.
I have so many ideas circling in my head that it's hard to choose.
Let's try Say Cheese.

Huh?

Make a bag that makes a focal point of something sentimental.
I would prefer this be in photograph form rather than someone else's clothing (this time. We'll do mourning type stuff in the future if I keep going with this blog).
Okay?

That means, reproduce a photo onto fabric and use that for the bag,
Or make shrinky plastic charms or buttons and embellish the bag,
or ?????

No it doesn't have to be cheesy (no pun intended).
I don't mean funky "mommy" brag bags.
I can almost see all of you backing away from the computer and shuffling your feet.
Hello! This blog is all about a CHALLENGE, remember?
Make something that you really would want to carry around, but with a sentimental emphasis.

Maybe take a bunch of family photos (transfers) and collage them, or cut them up and use the weird pieces.
Make the photos part of an applique.
Make the photos part of something else--like a three dimensional flower.
Print photos to fabric, then cut into strips and weave.
Or put real photos (like photobooth strips!) under vinyl (that could make fun stripes and add a design element).

Come on you guys--you can do this!

For inspiration:
Erin's bag with the horse photo memorializes her dad.
Her business, Pursue Your Art, sells bags that display your own photographs or art.
"Changeable art purse is a fun, fashionable way of expressing your artistic side. This purse was created to display your artwork, Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), greeting cards, photos and more. It's a miniature art gallery in a purse."

Another company,Art for Your Sake, makes photo montage tote bags because, "For some of us, photo purses are not fashion items, but a real physical connection to our loved ones."
We're talking really creative collages here--check it out.

HGTV has a tutorial on making a purse with a photo of its contents on the outside.
Not really sentimental, but pretty fun nevertheless.
Reminds me of an actor friend who used to work at an ad agency, and on the wall was a photo of the opposite wall. So when you looked at one wall, you'd be looking at the other. Ahem...yeah.

Oops

2008-07-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still not finished with my bag, and four people have contacted me saying they're not done either.
So how about if I post the gallery and new theme on Monday?
So that gives you a couple more days (though I'll always post your entries, regardless of what future date you send me a jpg).
If anyone has any ideas for prizes for future challenges, let me know.

Wow, is it already July?

2008-07-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Be patient with me, I'm going to try to finish my tee bag before I post the gallery.
Will hopefully post tomorrow.
Sewing on t-shirt is a little more difficult than I anticipated--I spent a good deal of time with my seam ripper last night.

Anyway, I thought I'd mention this fun idea I saw at the county fair the other night.
This is the Miche bag.

It is a black handbag (cute on its own) with interchangeable exterior designs that are magnetized.
In other words, you don't have to empty your purse contents to coordinate your bag with your outfit--you just change the magnet.
Another bonus is the magnets just fold up flat, so they're easier to store than an equal number of purses.

The fair was selling these, if I remember correctly, for $69.99, and it included three exteriors of your choosing--they call these shells.
Seriously cool.
Judging from the website (which is still, for the most part, under construction), the company sells distributorships.

The employees at the kiosk said the bags are also sold on QVC, but I was not able to find a link.

Last minute tee inspiration

2008-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Etsy is a great place to shop, to support DIY crafters, and to get inspiration.
Look at all the things you can make from a t-shirt!

Fabric tote with appliqued t-shirt design, by GetFEROCIOUS

Eye of Zion tote by NansRedesigns

The Magic Purse, by TangledDaisies
Also her cute drawstring bag

Lost in Music tote, by BluePlanetCreations

Sturdy England tote, by NerdBomber

Woven hobo bag (made on a loom!) from CourtneyCastle

Buckets

2008-06-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Let's go off theme for a second.
This technically isn't a purse, but I can envision possibilities.
Add a strap?
Shoot, just use it to store you purses.
All I know is that it's cute, and Jodie of Ric Rac has posted a tutorial.
(thank you, Wendy, for linking)

Speaking of buckets, containers, and totes, here's a fun recycling project: a bag over a bleach bottle

From Aleene's Creating with Plastic Bottles booklet, 1966

It used to be in vogue to crochet a top portion over a bleach bottle base (see the little green purse)

like in this leaflet of patterns for crocheted bags, from Coats & Clark, 1973

MineFull has posted a tutorial for her version

grandma's crochet bleach bag
Originally uploaded by MineFull

Here's a similar one by Dottyral
She says, "I just punched holes around the plastic bottle. Did a row of single crochets through the holes, then a bunch of double crochet rounds. Put the drawstring through it. That's it. I wish I had cut the bottle down shorter. I think it would have been cuter."

This one also uses a bleach bottle, but is made from cutting shapes from the bottle, punching holes in the edges, then stitching the shapes together.

Posted by Compact Collection, I do not know the year this was published nor it's source (though the name Betty Russell is printed on the page).

crochet cradle purse
Originally uploaded by wendycohoon

Wendycohoon crochets over a vinegar bottle base.

Using loom squares

2008-06-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

I posted recently about making your own loops (from t-shirts) for a handheld loom, and here are some examples of what you can make

Weaving designs are posted on my Woof Nanny blog.

These are from vintage craft booklet, The Nelly Bee Loom Weaving Designs, 1945.
Who knew?!

T-Shirt Scrap Bag

2008-06-18T16:41:00.001-07:00

t shirt scrap bag
Originally uploaded by inventacharm

(click on image to see detail)

t shirt scrap bag
Originally uploaded by inventacharm

How To: (by Inventacharm)
1.gather lots of different old t shirts or t shirt material.

2.first cut two big pieces for the front and back, regular tote size. (btw i didn't line the bag so i only used these pieces for the bag)

3.cut a bunch of stripes from all the different material. same width as the two main pieces. length depends on how long you want the fringe to be. mine were about 4-5in.

4. starting from the bottom sew stripes of fabric to big bag square piece. as you go make sure they overlap. repeat with other bag square.

5.sew the two main pieces facing the wrong side (what will be your inner bag) leaving top side open. make sure you tuck in any piece of stripe fabric peekin from underneath before you do this.

6.turn bag inside out.

7.cut all stripes to make fringes

8.make strap for bag. sew to the sides of the bag. (just like any other bag really)

**to make flower/puff ball/whatever you wanna call it

all i did was make a bunch of little stripes of different color t material and glued it on corner of the bag . keep gluing the stripes in different angles on top of each other until it looks like above. i used a glue gun for this.

it looks kind of funky and messy in the end but i guess that's what i like about it.

Flashbags

2008-06-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Off theme, but I discovered this company called Flashbags (wearable art handbags) that I think deserves a plug.

They can take your OWN photo images (how fun it that?!) and craft a tote from it,
or you can choose one of the designs they have available, such as this sea turtle by Don King

They also have famous art works from museums, and are partnered with several non-profit organizations if you want to work with them for a fund raiser.

Read more here, from a feature story published in the summer issue of Vermont Life Magazine.

Details

2008-06-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Since t-shirt fabric is knit, that stretch can be challenging to work with.
There's no reason, however, it can't be stabilized with interfacing and used like a woven.
Saltygal has a great example of applique on a tote.

Something like this would be a fun way to focus on some of the great images on tees.

Consider collage also.
Patchwork.
Embellishment with embroidery.
Pleating.
Any other ideas??? Go for it!

Tutorial for a T-shirt bag

2008-06-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a suggestion from Meggiecat, I was able to retrieve this tutorial that I thought was deleted.

I like this bag by Craft_Wiki because it's a bit larger, with a flat bottom.
Check out how the neck opening is now the top opening for the bag.

This tutorial appeared on Craftacular in January 2007:

I made this bag out of some free t-shirts that were being handed out at a convention I attended. It's a nice size tote that is perfect for holding my knitting. I didn't line or interface my bag, so I'm careful not to load it up with heavy things.

This is more of a step-by-step of how I did it, rather than how to make your own. I just made it up as I went along.

Materials:
2- Tshirts (you could probably get by with just one, if you wanted) The size of the shirts depends on the size of the purse you want. Look at the neckhole to get a rough idea of the final size
Normal sewing supplies

Optional:
Interfacing
Lining fabric

I didn't line my bag, but I imagine you can figure out how to do it. Cut every t-shirt piece in the lining fabric and use the interfacing to stablize it.

Instructions:
1. Cut the t-shirt into a trapezoid around the neckhole. The neck won't be exactly on top, but rather pointing a little bit toward the front. The picture shows what it looks like when you unfold it.

2. Use the trapezoid to measure the size of the side pieces. I cut them wider on the bottom with a rounded top. I cut this from the second shirt.

3. Pin on the sides, and sew them to the front/back piece.

4. Measure the size of the rectangle for the bottom of the bag, and cut it from the left overs of the first t-shirt.

5. Pin and sew in the bottom.

6. Flip the bag right side out.

7. Cut off the bottom (the seam) of the second shirt. Then cut a strip about four inches wide.

8. Sew it along the side to make the handle. Turn it right side out.

9. Tuck the ends of the handle back inside (this will hide the edges), and sew the handles to the back of the bag (the shoulder blades, if you will). Make sure you stitch this well.

That's pretty much it. Not the clearest instructions, but that is more or less what I did.

More ideas

2008-06-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, there are a lot of fun ideas out there!
When you find an online tutorial you like, be sure to copy it right away.
Sadly, so many sites disappear quickly.
I had several links saved that I was going to share with you, but they are no longer valid. Bumer.

This bag is so nicely done (by Ms. Ellemvee).
The yellow portion was a Blondie T-shirt.
This recently sold in in Ellemvee's Etsy Shop.

I can't get the photo to load, but check out the
Tropical tote by CarrieMe.

Here's an awesome video tutorial by Cara Hall, on how to make a rag rug.
I'm thinking you could make small panels and stitch them together into a tote???

Book inspiration

2008-06-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

You can find inspiration in some DIY-style books.
This cute "Rock the Tote" is from Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt, by Megan Nicolay.

Also this hobo they call "Bag Lady", made from two tees.

Make simple bags, shown in Sew Subversive: Down & Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista, by Stitch Lounge (Melissa Rannels, Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng).

Make your own potholder loops with old T-shirts***Tutorial

2008-05-29T23:12:00.001-07:00

Make your own potholder loops with old T-shirts***Tutorial
Originally uploaded by bbmarie

If you don't know how to crochet or knit, you can always make loops from t-shirts and weave the loops on a potholder loom!
How fun is this?
Tutorial included (just click on the photo to go to the flickr page).

I'm not sure if you need to be a member of Flickr.com to view this.
If you do, it's super easy to join--and it's free.

Somewhere I have a vintage booklet where all the little potholder squares were sewn together to make a purse.
I'll look around for it and post the pics when I find the booklet.

MighTee fine inspiration

2008-05-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

This bag recently sold at Spiceyart's Etsy shop
Her blog, Keetsa.
Note she not only pieced shirts, she also stenciled and stamped upon them.
Aah, we're a long way from sewing up a rectangle, eh? Yep, that's what I'm talkin' about!

I love this one on Craft Juice too.

This one is currently still available for purchase at Heidi Monkey's Etsy shop.

Now this is a fun idea:
Cara Johnson of This Recycled Life, used tees to applique flowers and stems onto a bag.

So cute!
She is working on a pattern to sell in her Beautiful Garbage Etsy shop, so keep an eye out.

The great thing about t-shirts is that cut edges don't have to have finished edges--knit fabric doesn't ravel.
Of course you can turn under or use decorative stitches to finish if you want to.
I mean, you can do anything you want to do.
That's the beauty here.
But consider taking several shirts and using pieces here and there.
Consider embellishing with paint or ink or embroidery.
Let your imagination go for it!

Just what is this blog anyway?

2008-05-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

In case you're new to this blog, let me just explain what's going on here.
This blog is a reference for lots of tutorials and purse-related websites (the entire sidebar is filled with links), but it is also a challenge.
Every two months, I post a theme and ask readers to make a bag per the theme.
Participants send me a jpg image via email, and I post all the pics on Flickr.com, in hopes we are inspired and motivated by one another.
This challenge idea is based on the apron challenges introduced by Tie One On.

Tie One On does not offer a prize, but she garners lots of interest and participation.
I have had some difficulty inspiring people to play along here, so I have started offering prizes.

The theme for each challenge is posted at the top of the sidebar.
I aim to get people to try new ideas, to step outside the box creatively, and maybe learn something along the way.

Who said your tee had to be flat?

2008-05-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

The current challenge is to make a purse or tote or bag (whatever shape or size) from one or more t-shirts.
Helloooo--this doesn't mean you're limited to sewing squares.

You can always cut tees into strips and make 'yarn' for crocheting or knitting.
Yep.

Lettie of Polka Dot Pineapple was nice enough to allow me to post her tutorial.
Just please keep this for your own use, okay?

She says you can really move this along if you use a rotary cutter.

She crochets rugs and trivets, but I know this can make great bags too.

Jana posted a similar tutorial on eLoomanator.
The method of cutting yields one long spiral strip (versus tying small pieces together).
She says she can get 20 to 30 yards of 'yarn' from one tee!

Read both tutorials and see which you prefer.
I figure the more information, the better.
I am thankful for both posts.

Please see the tutorial links I have listed in the sidebar of this blog under 'crocheted' and 'knitted'.
I would think this idea (using tees for yarn) would work especially well with projects intended from plastic bag 'yarn'.
For example, The Round Bottom Plastic Bag Tote from Marlo's Crochet Corner would be adorable done in tees.

Cindy from My Recycled Bags is amazingly generous with
her patterns, a number of which could work with tee yarn.
How about this shoulder bag?

Inspired?
I certainly am.

Visual Inspiration!

2008-05-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I get ideas and inspiration from checking out what other people have made.
Then my ideas just domino from there.
I love the hand-stitched details on this bag.
Crispin Bixler, purse from an Urban Outfitters t-shirt

Lots of inspiration on Flickr.com (links will take you to their Flickr pages)
Tinkerbell bag from Purseonality Bags
She sells her bags in her etsy shop

Wired Ware bag from Puck-Man

Cannoli Backpack from Fisheye3
It's for sale in her etsy shop

Fun bag posted by Gutstrings (see design info on flickr page link)
Note the ruffling and the zipper--this is a perfect example of thinking outside the box.

I love this Cherry Bomb bag by Trendy Wendy Crafts.
Note the hardware on the handles

Simple T-shirt Bag (video tutorial)

2008-05-14T23:03:00.001-07:00

Thank you to ThreadBanger and Tiny Happy.

Tutorial

2008-05-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

IMG_4802
Originally uploaded by smallyellowfish

This cute bag, posted by SmallYellowFish, is made from a tee shirt .

What makes this design different is that the sides of the tank top are shifted to become the front of the bag, then the sleeves become the handles.

The post on Flickr.com has a link to a tutorial.
You can garner a lot of information just from the pictures, but the text is in Greek.
Just use Babelfish to translate the text into English.

Finally, a new gallery and a new theme (with a great prize!)

2008-05-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm at a client's house so I have access to a computer.
Well, unfortunately the last challenge only brought forth three entries.
Sigh...
It was really difficult to choose a winner, but I did promise to offer a prize this time, and I can't afford (I wish I could) to send prizes to all three.

So I decided to give Kara the prize this time.

I am sending items that I think can be useful in purse-making: bodkins for lacing ribbons or elastic through casings, a marking pen, a magnetic clasp, and a purse-shaped cookie cutter (everyone needs a little sugar for energy).

The gallery is up on Flickr.
I want to thank all three of these ladies for offering continual support to this blog.

Okay, now for a new theme.
Let's try this one more time, shall we?
Tell all your friends--let's get some response this time, okay?

Summer is coming and we could all use some little beach bags, gym bags, or quick and easy projects.
The new theme is Tee Shirts!
Yep, recycle a tee or several tees into a bag.
And I don't mean simple squares--please try to think outside the box.
Send me a jpg of your bag to my email at barbian7(at)yahoo(dot)com.
You have until the end of June.
I will post a new gallery July 1.

For example, Smashley Bug made this adorable bag from two shirts--the main bag portion is from a tee, and the handles are from a tank top.

It's a great way to memorialize a tee you have sentimental attachment to, but it no longer fits or it's worn in places.
I'll try to find more examples to inspire you.

Pfeffermint_ish has a great tutorial for her yellow bag on Craftster that you might want to try.

And yes, I'll offer a prize to someone too--a tee from Threadless!

Where are you?

2008-04-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

I am having some computer problems, so the current challenge will have to be extended another week or so.

That gives you more of you an opportunity to participate!

I have not, surprisingly, received many entries.
I have gotten several emails stating interest, but not completed projects.
If I do not receive more entries, I will have to discontinue this blog.
I think this is a great site with tons of info, but if people aren't participating in the challenges, I should be focusing my energy elsewhere.

Call for submissions

2008-04-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

This from Stampington.

How do you carry it? That’s the question Somerset Studio would like to help answer through our new and exciting special publication titled Haute Handbags.
Whether we use purses, clutches, totes, portfolios, sacks, bags, or attachés, there are many styles made with an astounding array of materials emerging from all corners of the creative world – all vying to be carried and used with style.

You are welcome to construct a bag from scratch, or to purchase one that you embellish and alter with paints, beads, rubber stamps, ribbons, buttons, transparencies, and more.
(ahem, it sounds like the current Purse Project challenge....)

No medium or material is ruled out so use your imagination to make bags of leather, wool, fabric, paper, plastic, wood, glass, or any other materials that you love.

Deadline for artwork to be received: Bi-annually every November 15th, and May 15th.

Designer Spotlight: Enid Collins

2008-04-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Enid Collins designed whimsical purses, from 1959 to 1970 (when the company Collins of Texas was sold to Tandy Leather Corporation).
This wooden box purse is called 'Night Owls'

'For the Birds'

'Cock O' the Walk'

I'm more drawn to the wooden purses, and considering I just chose all birds themed ones, I guess I'm drawn to those too.
But there are several popular themes, including love, money, and astrological signs.

She made several cute bucket designs too.
I'm not sure of the year on this one, but from what I can tell it's called 'Cable Car'

This is a later model, Collins of Texas bag called 'Aces High'.
I like the cylindrical shape

Collins' bags included sequins, painted designs, and novelty sayings.
The bags are often dated and signed, and usually include the design name also.
According to Cool Old Stuff, bags signed with a lowercase 'ec' or 'e' were made during Enid Collins tenure.
Bags with a capital 'C', or labeled 'Collins of Texas' (without Enid's name anywhere) are less valuable as they are Tandy bags.

In the late 1960's, do-it-yourself kits were sold, called Sophistikits.
These are also not as valuable.
More info, from Sweetheartville.

The theme for this month's challenge is to refashion a readymade bag.
I've mentioned ideas including mosaic, and painting.
What a perfect time, therefore, to be inspired by Enid Collins!

Angry Chicken is a fan--she bought an original.
Then she made her own version--maybe you might want to give it a try!

Sweetheartville did a Dia De Los Muertos version

Hints for identifying authentic bags.

Good info on eBay Guide to Enid Collins

Photos on Enid Collins Purse Collector's Page.

Amazing collection of bags on Flickr, from Glumpire.

Read the book, Popular Purses: it's in the bag.

Enid Collins bags were listed as a top ten collectible by Country Home Magazine, 2007.

Sunshine City Lassie is a fan.
So is Vanessa.
California Girl at Heart.
This is not your daughter's shopping blog.

Mosaic!

2008-04-01T22:02:00.001-07:00

Bling Purse-top detail
Originally uploaded by artandartifacts

Wow, isn't this gorgeous?
Talk about inspiration for refashioning an old box purse.

This is made by Susan McSherry, aka Art and Artifacts.

She describes the method: "I used a bed of thinset- pushed the pieces into the thinset. Some pieces are jewelry, some are buttons, pieces of stained glass, some of my Brighton metal salvage. I sell some of the metal stuff on Etsy.....I have a shop there...artandartifacts.
The body of the purse is sanded, sealed, faux finished and coated with several layers of poyurethane. The "mosaic" doesn't need any sealers...all the pieces have their original metal finishes... "

Her etsy shop.
Gallery of her work.

Dotted Dream Purse

2008-03-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

Free pattern download by Ottobre.

Wallpaper Purse

2008-03-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Rachel, of Rayela's Fiber Focus, made this amazing purse--a true work of art.

It is created using the traditional method for weaving candy wrappers or chip bags, except she utilized sample pieces of wallpaper.
The blog post includes how-to information.

I hope you're inspired to try this method.
Call it folk art, or tramp art, or a rediscovered recycling craft...
I just call it gorgeous.

If you're interested in purchasing a how-to video on weaving candy wrappers, one is available by The Candy Wrapper King.
He says, "I just used upolstery thread and a homemade plastic "flat" needle. It's actually fairly simple once you know how."
(note, I have not seen the video, so am not endorsing it, but am giving you the information if you are interested)

Paper Purse Pattern

2008-03-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

This super cute paper purse is available for download, courtesy of Meggie Cat.
By all means, use the free pattern, but please stop by her blog
(or anyone else's where you get a pattern or even an idea)
and give her a thank you :).
Courtesy and feedback are really gestures we all should remember.

Party centerpiece

2008-03-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

For your next party, have some fun and carve a watermelon shaped like a purse!
Here they've filled it with watermelon slices shaped like lips.
Instructions on wikihow.

Freebie!

2008-03-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Nannybird Crafts is giving away a bag for her blogiversary!
Go leave a comment and tell her I sent you.